FRESH the Movie Inspires Special Dinners

Movie screenings might usually make you hungry for a trashy dinner of popcorn, Twizzlers, and Coke, but FRESH the Movie has spawned a variety of tasteful culinary events that are far from the realm of junk food.

Since the documentary celebrates the farmers and activists who are working to create a more sustainable food system in America, it makes sense that eco-friendly eateries would be on board to promote it.

Quiessence Restaurant was invited to do a special farm-to-table tasting menu (in addition to the farm-to-table fare it serves every night) to coincide with the local release of the film.

For $45, guests will be treated to executive chef Greg LaPrad's special three-course meal, as well as a movie ticket redeemable for one of the April 16 or 17 screenings at Tempe's Madcap Theater. The menu is only available tomorrow through Thursday (April 6 through 8) -- request the FRESH menu when you make your reso.

Next week, True Food Kitchenwill host a three-course dinner on April 12, andPastaBAR will feature a special event on April 13, where guests can choose an item off the menu and receive a voucher for a screening.

Cost is $29 per person, and includes a voucher for one screening on the 16th or 17th.

Besides the dinners, there will be two lectures held in conjunction with the screenings; both include a voucher for a screening with the cost of admission.

"Eating the Ayurvedic Way with the Wisdom of the Ages," by Laurene Hayden, is scheduled for 4:15 to 6:15 p.m. on April 10, at Dave's Astanga Yoga Studio in Scottsdale ($18). Desert Roots Farm owner Kelly Saxer will be on hand to answer questions.

Then, on April 14, the Desert Botanical Garden will host three of its botanists, who will discuss "Eat Local, Eat Native -- Bringing Desert Plant Diversity to the Table," from 6:30 to 8 p.m. ($20; $15 for DBG members).